My ASEAN Free GPS Map Project

moeyhc wrote:Hello Bros & Sista,

Need help again. I am charging my Nuvi 205W after draining it fully (auto power off) since this morning. The screen still shows " Charging battery Completely " It is 'Bad' English from Garmin or it is really charging it completely? My Nuvi 300 display " Charging Battery Completed " when done. What does your unit display when it is fully charged?... Thank you for your help... cheers!

Dear Bro Moeyhc,

To avoid having such doubts why don't you charge in the Diagnostic Mode instead? In the Diagnostic Mode, you can see the actual state of charge of your battery before starting (Battery Capacity %) and your VMAX.

While charging, the Battery Capacity will be blank, Battery shows Charging but you can see your VMAX climbing slowly.

When fully charged, Battery shows Done and your VMAX should be around 4.90+ Volts.

To charge in the Diagnostic Mode:

1. Switch on GPS and let it boot completely.
2. Touch the Battery Strength Icon (top right-hand corner) for around 10 seconds.
3. When the screen changes to show SW Ver etc., you are now in the Diagnostic Mode.
4. Plug in your power source USB cable.

Thank you Bro JasonLee. The reason I did not use the diagnostic mode is that it reset the clock and GPS. It will take longer time to get the first fix. Nonetheless, I'll switch on Diagnostic to check the battery voltage and charge/discharge mAhr value....cheers!

moeyhc wrote:Thank you Bro JasonLee. The reason I did not use the diagnostic mode is that it reset the clock and GPS. It will take longer time to get the first fix.

Asodesuka. Didn't realise that. Actually didn't notice that which means it is not an issue for me.

Anyone tried to change the battery of 205W? My battery life seems to be very lousy. Seems to me that it can only last for maximum 1hr to 1.5 hrs.
Also, i use the USB to charge, it doesn't say battery full even though i charged for hours...

comeonesticks wrote:Anyone tried to change the battery of 205W? My battery life seems to be very lousy. Seems to me that it can only last for maximum 1hr to 1.5 hrs.
Also, i use the USB to charge, it doesn't say battery full even though i charged for hours...

Use the above described method to charge in the Diagnostic Mode then you will know to what VMAX your battery has been charged before deciding what to do with the battery.

JasonLee wrote:

comeonesticks wrote:Anyone tried to change the battery of 205W? My battery life seems to be very lousy. Seems to me that it can only last for maximum 1hr to 1.5 hrs.
Also, i use the USB to charge, it doesn't say battery full even though i charged for hours...

Use the above described method to charge in the Diagnostic Mode then you will know to what VMAX your battery has been charged before deciding what to do with the battery.

OK.. I will do check it later.. before I ask for help again.. Thanks!!

What are the things i should look out for? my Vmax when putting in the usb is 4.25v

Question: how long does it normally take to charge a Nuvi 205W fully? Just wondering...cos the battery life is also quite poor on my unit... sigh...

Wah.. i have never seen my GPS unit showing " Charging Battery" everything i plug in the USB port it will show a computer there and then a bar...

comeonesticks wrote:Wah.. i have never seen my GPS unit showing " Charging Battery" everything i plug in the USB port it will show a computer there and then a bar...

Bro comeonesticks, charging from a lappy / PC or from a third party non-garmin car charger will result in Nuvi going into "data-mode". The unit is still charging except that it does not display any signs of doing so.